Patents covering Sanctura XR invalid, court rules

By Alaric DeArment

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — A court has ruled that patents covering a drug designed to treat an overactive bladder are invalid, a company looking to launch a generic version of the drug said.

Watson Pharmaceuticals said the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware ruled that five patents covering Allergan's Sanctura XR (trospium chloride) extended-release capsules were invalid. Watson's application with the Food and Drug Administration for a generic version are pending, the company said.

Sanctura XR had sales of $68 million during the 12-month period ended in February, according to IMS Health.